[Nfb-or] [JFreeh at nfb.org: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Condemns Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire]

[T. Joseph Carter]

I don't know if subscribers to just this list receive announcements 
posted to nfbnet-members-list or not, but here's one that might be of 
interest to students on the mailing list regarding the latest Amazon 
Kindle.

Joseph


----- Forwarded message from "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org> -----

Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:53:18 -0500
From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org>
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Condemns Lack of Access to New
	Kindle Fire
Message-ID: <auto-000030413201 at mailfront3.g2host.com>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org




National Federation of the Blind Condemns
  Lack of Access to New Kindle Fire



Baltimore, Maryland (September 29, 2011): The National Federation of 
the Blind commented today on the release of Amazon's new Kindle Fire, 
which cannot be used by people who are blind.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, 
said: "Blind Americans have repeatedly asked Amazon to include 
accessibility for the blind in its Kindle product line.  The 
feasibility of including accessibility in similar products has been 
demonstrated.  The Department of Education and the Department of 
Justice have made it clear that Kindle devices cannot be purchased by 
educational institutions, libraries, and other entities covered by 
this country's disability laws unless the devices are fully 
accessible.  Despite all this, Amazon has released a brand new Kindle 
device, the Kindle Fire, which cannot be used by people who are blind.  
Enough!  We condemn this latest action by Amazon and reiterate that we 
will not tolerate technological discrimination.  The National 
Federation of the Blind seeks nothing less than equal access to all 
technology for blind people.  It is one of the most critical civil 
rights issues facing blind Americans in the twenty-first century, and 
we will do everything in our power to see that this right is secured."





###







About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is 
the largest and most influential membership organization of blind 
people in the United States.  The NFB improves blind people's lives 
through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs 
encouraging independence and self-confidence.  It is the leading force 
in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind.  In 
January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind 
Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the 
United States for the blind led by the blind.



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----- End forwarded message -----